Smoking ban may extend its reach

By Joe Kafka, The Associated Press | Wednesday, January 31, 2007

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PIERRE — South Dakota smokers, brace yourselves for another blow.

Jan. 1 brought a $1 increase in the state tax on a pack of cigarettes, and July 1 could cut the number of places where you can legally light up.

A bill offered in the Legislature on Tuesday would tighten the state law against smoking in the workplace by making it illegal to smoke in bars, casinos and restaurants that have alcohol licenses.

It has been illegal since 2002 to smoke in other businesses and public places. Violations are petty offenses that can bring fines as much as $20.

Although SB196 would remove the smoking exemption in businesses that serve alcohol, it would continue the exemption for motels, other lodging and businesses that primarily sell tobacco products and packaged liquor.

Commenting on the legislation, Jennifer Stalley, a lobbyist for anti-tobacco interests, said it is time to make South Dakota the next smoke-free state.

“Exemptions to the current law represent a severe health risk for anyone who works in, dines in or visits any one of the exempted locations,” she said.

A report last year from the U.S. surgeon general concluded that nonsmokers have a much greater risk of heart disease and lung cancer if exposed to secondhand smoke at work or home, Stalley said.

“Whether a doctor or disc jockey, a teacher or a technician, every worker has the right to breathe clean air,” she said. “Now that the debate over secondhand smoke is over, it’s time to provide that right for all South Dakotans.”